Manager Owen Coyle was keen to bolster his defence after selling Andy O'Brien to Leeds. It understood Bolton have agreed a £2.3million fee with a further £1.5million based on appearances.

Coyle said: "First and foremost we are absolutely delighted to get a player of David's quality into Bolton. The hunger that he has shown in wanting to come to the football club has been first class.

"There has been a lot of competition for his signature and again this shows a willingness on our behalf to invest in young players. The club have parted with good money to secure the services of a very talented player who has been involved with England squads before.

"We want him to be involved at that level again and to do that he will have to play well for Bolton Wanderers, however he has arrived here with a real desire to achieve that.

"He has a great character as well. He will integrate into the group straight away and it all adds to the fantastic spirit that we have within the squad."

Wheater already has vast amounts of Premier League experience with Middlesbrough.

He said: "I met with the manager and we had a good chat about football. I had a look around the facilities and it was a really easy decision to make.

"From what I've seen there is a really great atmosphere at the club and a real buzz about the place and I'm looking forward to working hard and showing the manager what I can do."